Monday, March 31, 2008

Fitzgerald Spring Event This Friday

Don’t forget: this Friday renowned author Mary Gaitskill will read from her work at the Spring Event of the F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference. The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4 at the Rockville Vis Arts Center.

Mary Gaitskill has been nominated for the National Book Award, National Book Critics’ Circle Award and PEN/Faulkner Award. She is the author of Two Girls, Fat and Thin; Veronica; Bad Behavior; and Because They Wanted To. Her short story “Secretary” was made into a feature film.

Gaitskill will be joined by four local authors: Dave Housley (Ryan Seacrest is Famous), Nathan Leslie (Madre, Believers), Susan Muaddi-Darraj (The Inheritance of Exile), and Lalita Noronha (Where Monsoons Cry).

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Gaitskill and other talented authors read from their work. The event is free to members of the F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference, Inc. and their guests, and the cost is $10 for the general public. There will be a minimal charge for students. Parking at Town Center is free after 7 p.m., and refreshments will be served.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Fiction to be Published in Write Here Write Now Anthology

“One Last Hit,” a story from TRACKS, my novel in stories, is slated for publication in the first Write Here Write Now Anthology.

The Write Here Write Now Anthology is published by Loyola College’s Apprentice House, a new press that has gotten a bit of good ink in the media recently. The new anthology, due out this spring, includes fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays, and more from Baltimore-area writers.

“One Last Hit” follows the progression of a man as he goes from mere mischief to a career of crime. Although it stands alone as a story, it follows up the story “Reset,” which made TRACKS a semi-finalist in the First Chapters novel competition last year. “Reset” was from the perspective of the target; “One Last Hit” comes from the point-of-view of the hunter.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

The Nation's Only Literary-Themed Hotel

Many people have heard about the illustrious Chautauqua Institution — the historic community renowned as a center for the performing arts, literary arts, and the discussion of the important social and political issues of our time.

But did you know that at the heart of the Chautauqua Institution stands The Spencer — the nation’s only literary-themed boutique hotel?

The historic Spencer is a popular vacation spot not only during the Chautauqua Institution’s summer season, but year-round. That’s because the hotel is not just a place to stay — for many visitors, it is the destination itself.

The 25 rooms in the Spencer celebrate the life and works of history’s most revered authors—from John Keats to Beatrix Potter, Charles Dickens to Agatha Christie.

Each room in this unique hotel pays homage to a renowned author, depicting scenes from their most famous works.

For instance, in the C.S. Lewis (Room 302), a mural dedicated to The lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe depicts the image of stepping into Narnia, complete with the famed Wardrobe. In the Isak Dinesen (Room 203), a play on the Out of Africa theme allows guests to slumber under their very own dream-like safari tent while the Jules Verne (Room 306) offers the playful impression of sleeping up in a balloon traveling Around the World in 80 Days.

In addition to the beautiful murals and decorations, each room features a musical CD to add to the mood of the theme. Copies of the featured writer’s works are also shelved in each room, and available for purchase — the perfect souvenir to remember your stay.

Many visitors come just to relax in the literary surroundings. Others take advantage of workshops, packages, and events sponsored by The Spencer, such as the poetry workshops in May and June with Douglass Goetsch and Madeline Tiger or the Murder Mystery Theater. There are also spa packages, wine-and-cheese packages, and more.

To learn more about The Spencer — the nation’s only literary-themed boutique hotel — visit www.thespencer.com. While you’re there, make your reservations online, or call The Spencer at 1-800-398-1306.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

How to Build an Author Platform

The Baltimore chapter of the Maryland Writers' Association (MWAB) invites writers in Baltimore and the surrounding area to an event that will detail how to build an author's platform, and why it's important to do so.

Like all of MWAB's monthly meetings, the event is free to members and first-time guests and $5 for returning visitors.

Ally E. Peltier, MWAB regular and professional freelance editor, writer, and publishing consultant, will give her talk "Your Author's Platform: Why Background Matters, and How to Get the Right One" at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 24 at Ukazoo Books in Towson.

This talk will introduce writers to the thinking process of acquiring editors and agents and give you the edge you need to get your book published and sold.

In today's highly saturated book market, a strong publicity and marketing campaign requires that authors have a solid platform to get the kind of media attention necessary for sales. But what is a platform, what is it used for, and how do you acquire one? Ally will discuss the difference between a fiction and nonfiction platform and the role each plays in developing a book proposal, and also address the reasons why you should write a proposal even if you're a novelist.

Ally E. Peltier is an editor, writer, and publishing consultant working with businesses and individuals in need of editorial services. Ally has been an editorial staff member at both small and large book publishers, and has worked as a freelance writer for nearly a decade. Her ever-expanding client list includes such companies as Simon & Schuster, Penguin Group USA, F&W Publications, Warner Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, iUniverse, and more. Ally's work has appeared in a variety of places, including Writer's Digest, Writers' Journal, Circle Magazine, and J3tlag.com. She also ghostwrites nonfiction books. www.ambitiousenterprises.com/.

The Baltimore Chapter of the Maryland Writers' Association was the first official chapter to launch. Serving members in and around Baltimore City, the chapter is co-sponsored by CityLit Project (www.citylitproject.org) and the Write Here, Write Now workshops at the Creative Alliance (www.whwnwriters.com/).

Monday, March 17, 2008

Mary Gaitskill Headlines Authors at Fitzgerald Spring Event

Renowned author Mary Gaitskill will read from her work at the Spring Event of the F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference. The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4 at the Rockville Vis Arts Center.

Mary Gaitskill has been nominated for the National Book Award, National Book Critics’ Circle Award and PEN/Faulkner Award. She is the author of Two Girls, Fat and Thin; Veronica; Bad Behavior; and Because They Wanted To. Her short story “Secretary” was made into a feature film.

Gaitskill will be joined by four local authors: Dave Housley (Ryan Seacrest is Famous), Nathan Leslie (Madre, Believers), Susan Muaddi-Darraj (The Inheritance of Exile), and Lalita Noronha (Where Monsoons Cry).

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Gaitskill and other talented authors read from their work. The event is free to members of the F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference, Inc. and their guests, and the cost is $10 for the general public. There will be a minimal charge for students. Parking at Town Center is free after 7 p.m., and refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Successful Reading Tips in Writers Weekly

My story, “Reading Your Work Aloud,” was published in the latest edition of Writers Weekly — the most widely-circulated freelance writing ezine in the world!

The story is all about how to be a successful reader at a public event — even when you feel like it’s the last thing you’d be able to do at all, let alone successfully.

Just a couple years ago, you’d never have convinced me that I’d be reading my fiction in front of an audience. After all, I’m the writer, not the speaker. I’d rather write the speech than deliver it. But now, I’m not only reading my work at several events each year, but I’m actually hosting the “Lit and Art” reading series in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

If I can do it, so can you. Take a look at my story, “Reading Your Work Aloud,” in the latest edition of Writers Weekly for tips and advice on giving successful readings.

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

An Exultation of Editors

Want to learn about getting your writing published right from the source? Then consider the exciting "Exultation of Editors" coming to Baltimore this coming Monday evening.

"An Exultation of Editors" is the next event in the University of Baltimore's Spring Reading Series on Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m. in the fifth floor multipurpose room of the Student Center, 21 W. Mt. Royal Ave. The event will feature David Dudley, editor of The Urbanite, Jen Michalski of JMWW, and Gregg Wilhelm of Apprentice House. Marion Winik, assistant professor in the School of Communication Design, will serve as panel moderator. The event is free and open to the public.